Alternative Names

Causes

Tension headaches occur when neck and scalp muscles become tense, or contract. The muscle contractions can be a response to stress, depression, a head injury, and anxiety.

They may occur at any age, but are most common in adults and adolescents.

If a headache occurs two or more times a week for several months or longer, the condition is considered chronic
. Chronic daily headaches can result from the under- or over-treatment of a primary headache.

Rebound headaches are headaches that keep coming back. They may occur when pain medicines are overused.

Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache. Such activities include typing or other computer work, fine work with the hands, and using a microscope. Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with the neck in an abnormal position may also trigger a tension headache.

Tension headaches can occur when you also have a migraine. Tension headaches are not associated with brain diseases.

Symptoms

The headache pain may be described as:

Dull, pressure-like (not throbbing)

A tight band or vise on the head

All over (not just in one point or one side)

Worse in the scalp, temples, or back of the neck, and possibly in the shoulders

The pain may occur once, constantly, or daily. Pain may last for 30 minutes to 7 days. It may be triggered by or get worse with stress, fatigue, noise, or glare.

There may be difficulty sleeping. Tension headaches usually do not cause nausea or vomiting.

People with tension headaches try to relieve pain by massaging their scalp, temples, or the bottom of the neck.

Exams and Tests

If your headache is mild to moderate, without other symptoms, and responds to home treatment within a few hours, you may not need further examination or testing.

With a tension headache, there are usually no problems with the nervous system. But tender points (trigger points) in the muscles are often found in the neck and shoulder areas.

Treatment

The goal is to treat your headache symptoms right away, and to prevent headaches by avoiding or changing your triggers. A key step in doing this involves learning to manage your tension headaches at home
by:

Keeping a headache diary to help you identify your headache triggers so that you and your doctor can make changes in your lifestyle to reduce the number of headaches you get

Learning what to do to relieve a headache when it starts

Learning how to take your headache medicines the correct way

Medicines that may relieve a tension headache include:

Over-the-counter pain medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen

You are pregnant or could become pregnant -- some medicines should not be taken when pregnant

Prevention

Learn and practice stress management
. Some people find relaxation exercises or meditation helpful. Biofeedback
may help you improve the effect of doing relaxation exercises, and may be helpful for chronic tension headache.

Tips to prevent tension headaches:

Keep warm if the headache is associated with cold

Use a different pillow or change sleeping positions

Practice good posture when reading, working, or doing other activities

Exercise the neck and shoulders frequently when working on computers, or doing other close work

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.

Medical information made available on UPMC.com is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have. Further, UPMC.com is not a tool to be used in the case of an emergency. If an emergency arises, you should seek appropriate emergency medical services.

For UPMC Mercy Patients: As a Catholic hospital, UPMC Mercy abides by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, as determined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. As such, UPMC Mercy neither endorses nor provides medical practices and/or procedures that contradict the moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.